Outdoor Cooking in Knox County, TN (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Knox County, Tennessee.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Knox County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

BBQ & Propane Rules

Grilling with charcoal or propane is allowed in Knox County; cooking fires are exempt from the open-burning permit. On multi-family balconies, however, the adopted 2018 Fire Code restricts open-flame and LP-gas grills near combustible construction.

BBQ and Propane Grill Rules in Knox County, TN

Some Restrictions

Knox County Air Quality - Open Burning (allowed without permit)

Cooking fires are allowed without a permit.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Smoker Rules

Backyard smokers count as cooking fires in Knox County and need no open-burning permit. Use clean cooking wood or charcoal, keep the smoker clear of structures, and follow the same multi-family fire-code limits that apply to grills.

Backyard Smoker Rules in Knox County, TN

Some Restrictions

Knox County Air Quality - Open Burning (allowed without permit)

Cooking fires are allowed without a permit.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Outdoor Cooking by City in Knox County

1 cities in Knox County have their own outdoor cooking rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

KnoxvillePop. 190,740

1 verified rule • Smoker Rules

All Knox County ordinances

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Knox County Ordinance Hub →